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Packaging Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Director, Packaging Engineer

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$177 - $200/hr

Direct the development of high-impact graphic and structural packaging from concept through commercialization. * Lead consumer-focused packaging innovation that improves shelf visibility ...

Packaging Development Engineer - Secondary & Tertiary Packaging Innovation (ISTA / Validation / GMP)3 Key Consulting is hiring a Packaging Development Engineer - Secondary & Tertiary Packaging ...

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Packaging Development Engineer - Secondary & Tertiary Packaging Innovation (ISTA / Validation / GMP)3 Key Consulting is hiring a Packaging Development Engineer - Secondary & Tertiary Packaging ...

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Showing results 21-40

Packaging Development information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$76.4K

$131.3K

How much do packaging development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging development in California is $76,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packaging development?

A Packaging Development job involves designing, testing, and improving packaging solutions to ensure product protection, usability, and cost-effectiveness. Professionals in this role collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, manufacturing, and supply chain, to create packaging that aligns with brand identity and sustainability goals. They also evaluate materials, comply with regulatory requirements, and optimize packaging for production efficiency and customer experience.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a packaging development role?

In a Packaging Development role, your day-to-day activities often include designing packaging concepts, conducting materials testing, collaborating with suppliers, and working closely with manufacturing and marketing teams to ensure packaging solutions meet functional and branding requirements. You may also be involved in troubleshooting packaging-related issues on production lines and conducting cost and sustainability analyses. Additionally, it's common to manage multiple projects simultaneously and stay updated on industry trends and regulations. This diverse set of responsibilities ensures variety in your work and opportunities to build expertise across several facets of packaging and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the packaging development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Packaging Development, you need a solid understanding of packaging materials, engineering principles, and product design, often supported by a degree in packaging engineering, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with design software (such as CAD), testing equipment, and sometimes certifications like ISTA are commonly required. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive collaboration and innovation in cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for creating functional, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet regulatory and client specifications.

Are packaging development engineers in demand?

Packaging development engineers are in demand due to the growing need for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions across industries such as consumer goods, food, and pharmaceuticals. They often require skills in materials science, CAD software, and knowledge of industry regulations, with employment prospects driven by trends toward eco-friendly packaging and product protection.

What degree do you need to be a packaging development?

A packaging development professional typically needs a bachelor's degree in packaging engineering, industrial design, materials science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of packaging materials, design software, and manufacturing processes, and some roles may require experience or certifications in packaging technology.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Packaging Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Packaging Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Packaging Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Packaging Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $76,424 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Oral Solid Dose Packaging Development

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)
About the Role:
The Senior Engineer, Oral Solid Dose Packaging Development provides technical leadership for packaging systems supporting assigned products from early clinical development through commercialization and lifecycle management.
The role leads primary packaging engineering & development, packaging material selection, container closure system development, secondary and tertiary packaging. This position partners with Clinical Supply Chain, Packaging Operations, Pharmaceutical Development, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, external manufacturing sites, testing laboratories, and packaging vendors.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • Lead end-to-end packaging material selection, engineering, and qualification for oral solid dose container closure systems and associated secondary and tertiary packaging, from early clinical development through commercialization and lifecycle management
  • Establish packaging strategies, specifications, critical material attributes, engineering and process controls, and acceptance criteria based on product, stability, patient, packaging, and regulatory requirements
  • Design, execute, interpret, and document packaging development, package integrity, transportation, qualification, and validation studies supporting clinical trial materials and registration stability
  • Lead technical assessments for CPO (contract packaging organization) selection and drive packaging site readiness for commercial launch, including line trials, packaging qualification, process validation, technology transfer, launch execution, and operational handover
  • Lead technical investigations for packaging related deviations, and nonconformances, and retain post launch technical ownership for lifecycle changes, troubleshooting, packaging vendors and CPO transfers, and continuous improvement in partnership with Packaging Operations
  • Lead packaging artwork development, including dielines, component specifications, print requirements, barcodes, serialization product requirements, and packaging line compatibility
  • Author and review regulatory packaging content, including container closure system information, packaging development data, technical justifications, and responses to health authority questions
  • Partner with internal teams and external organizations to deliver packaging programs and evaluate emerging materials, technologies, and sustainability solutions

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related technical field with 4+ years of relevant experience; or Master's degree with typically 2+ years of applicable experience
  • Experience in pharmaceutical packaging development or packaging engineering within a cGMP-regulated environment, with working knowledge of applicable FDA and ICH guidance, USP requirements, and ASTM, ISTA, and ISO standards
  • Direct experience with oral solid dose packaging, including bottle and/or blister packaging systems
  • Experience selecting, developing, and qualifying packaging materials, primary packaging components, and container closure systems, with knowledge of moisture and oxygen barrier properties, light protection, compatibility, mechanical performance, aging, and material variability
  • Experience supporting packaging activities across development and commercial phases, including clinical trial materials, registration stability, regulatory submissions, commercial launch, and lifecycle management
  • Experience authoring and reviewing packaging content for regulatory submissions, including container closure system information, packaging development data, technical justifications, and responses to health authority questions
  • Experience planning and executing packaging development, package integrity, transportation, qualification, and validation studies, engineering and process controls, and acceptance criteria
  • Experience supporting packaging equipment, line trials, technical site assessments, process validation, technical site transfer, packaging related investigations, change controls, and CAPA
  • Strong technical judgment, problem-solving, project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills

Preferred Requirements:
  • Six or more years of pharmaceutical packaging development or packaging engineering experience, with demonstrated technical leadership for oral solid dose products
  • Experience independently leading packaging programs from early clinical development through registration, commercial launch, and post-approval lifecycle management
  • Experience with sachet, stick-pack, or flexible-laminate packaging, including material selection, seal development, package integrity, equipment compatibility, and line qualification
  • Experience developing or qualifying parenteral packaging and container closure systems, including vials, stoppers, prefilled syringes, cartridges, or other injectable product configurations
  • Experience developing packaging strategies for moisture-sensitive products, including desiccant systems, high-barrier blister materials, induction sealing, and moisture-protection studies
  • Experience with child-resistant, senior-friendly, tamper-evident, or patient-centered packaging systems
  • Experience leading packaging technology transfers, CPO site readiness, alternate vendor qualifications, or commercial packaging site transfers

#LI-LS1
Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.
We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.
The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $97,000.00-$133,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 20% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.